Bellator inks pair of heavyweight prospects to division

Bellator FC continues to build the organization’s heavyweight roster from the outside, as the promotion recently inked a pair of rising prospects to join former Strikeforce fighter Brett Rogers in the company’s new crop of big-boys. According to an official press release, Vitaly Minakov (pictured) and Ryan Martinez have signed their names on the dotted lines with Martinez’s debut date also being made official.

Minakov (8-0) is coming off a recent knockout victory over Eddie Sanchez. He has won four of his bouts by submission and three via strike-based stoppage.

Meanwhile, Martinez (7-1) will compete at Bellator 73 on August 24 though an opponent has yet to be announced. He is on a five-fight winning streak including a victory over two-time NCAA wrestling champion Mark Ellis.